Scanning an object in three dimensions using color dashed line pattern

ABSTRACT

The disclosure is related to a method and apparatus of scanning a target object in three dimensions (3D). The method may include projecting a color dashed line pattern onto a target object, scanning the target object with the color dashed line pattern projected thereto, and producing a 3D data of the target object by processing the scanning result. The color dashed line pattern may include multiple dashed line patterns each of which is individually used to calculate the 3D data of the target object.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2016-0014842 (filed on Feb. 5, 2016).

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates scanning a target object in threedimensions (3D) and, more particularly, to a dental 3D scanner forscanning a target object using a color dashed line pattern.

Lately, a dental three dimension (3D) scanner has been introduced. Sucha dental 3D scanner is used to obtain a 3D image of a target object inan intraoral structure for dental examination or dental treatment. Inparticular, the dental 3D scanner may project a predeterminedmeasurement light onto a target object, capture an image of the targetobject with the measurement light projected thereon, and reconstruct the3D image of the target object based on the captured measurement lightimage.

A typical dental 3D scanner might require capturing multiple targetobject images with several different measurement light patterns in orderto obtain the 3D image of the target object. Accordingly, with thetypical dental 3D scanner, a designated profession may perform the samescanning operation several times. Since the designated profession mustput the typical dental 3D scanner inside the patient's mouth, suchoperation might be very annoying and inconvenient to both of thedesignated profession and a patient.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that is further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the above disadvantagesand other disadvantages not described above. Also, embodiments of thepresent disclosure are not required to overcome the disadvantagesdescribed above, and embodiments of the present disclosure may notovercome any of the problems described above.

In accordance with an aspect of the present embodiment, a 3D image of anintraoral structure of a patient may be precisely and completelyobtained at a comparatively short time with fewer scanning operations.

In accordance with another aspect of the present embodiment, a colordashed line pattern having multiple dashed line patterns may begenerated and projected onto a target object to precisely, efficiently,and completely scan the target object in 3D.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present embodiment, a 3Dscanner may generate a color dashed line pattern having multiple dashedline patterns, project the generated color dashed line pattern onto atarget object, capture images of the target object with the color dashedline pattern thereon, and generate 3D image data (e.g., depth data) ofthe target object.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present embodiment,multiple dashed line patterns may be isolated from an image of a targetimage with a color dashed line pattern projected thereon.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method may be provided forscanning a target object in three dimensions (3D). The method mayinclude projecting a color dashed line pattern onto a target object,scanning the target object with the color dashed line pattern projectedthereto, and producing a 3D data of the target object by processing thescanning result. The color dashed line pattern includes multiple dashedline patterns each of which is individually used to calculate the 3Ddata of the target object.

The color dashed line pattern may include the multiple dashed linepatterns. Each one of the multiple dashed line patterns may have aunique color different from the other. Each dashed line pattern may beformed of a plurality of dashed lines. Each dashed line may be formed ofa plurality of dashes. Each dash may be formed of a unit pixel. Dashedlines included in each dashed line patterns may be arranged to have aline gap greater than a dash gap, where the line gap is a gap betweentwo adjacent dashed lines, and the dash gap is a gap between twoadjacent dashes.

The forming may include i) generating a color dashed line pattern toinclude at least two dashed line pattern, ii) generating each dashedline pattern to have a unique color different from the other, and iii)generating dashed lines of each dashed line patterns to be arranged tohave a line gap greater than a dash gap.

The forming may include i) generating the color dashed line pattern toinclude at least two first patterns and at least two second patterns,ii) generating the at least two first patterns to be arranged in a firstdirection, iii) generating the at least two second patterns to bearranged in a second direction crossing the first direction, iv)generating the first patterns to have a first color, v) generating thefirst patterns to have a plurality of first unit patterns each having alength of m pixels, wherein m is a positive integer greater than 0, vi)generating the plurality of first unit patterns to be arranged with athird unit pattern having a length of n pixels as a gap between twoadjacent first unit patterns, wherein the third unit pattern has a thirdcolor and a third length, and n is a positive integer number greaterthan 0 and smaller than m, vi) generating the second patterns to have asecond color, vii) generating the second patterns to have a plurality ofsecond unit patterns each having a length of m pixels, wherein m is apositive integer greater than 0, and viii) generating the plurality ofsecond unit patterns to be arranged with a fourth unit pattern having alength of n pixels as a gap between two adjacent second unit patterns,wherein the fourth unit pattern has a fourth color and a fourth length,and n is a positive integer number greater than 0 and smaller then m.

The scanning may include capturing at least one color dashed linepattern image of the target object and providing the captured colordashed line pattern image of the target object as the scanning result.

The producing a 3D data may include isolating the multiple dashed linepatterns from the scanning results, individually processing each of theisolated multiple dashed line patterns by performing sampling, andgenerating a depth data of the target object based on the samplingresults of the isolated multiple dashed line patterns.

Prior to the projecting, the method may further include generating acolor dashed line pattern data upon generation of a predetermined eventand forming the color dashed line pattern including multiple dashed linepatterns based on the generated color dashed line pattern;

The method may further include providing the 3D data of the targetobject to a designated machine through a predetermined communicationlink.

In accordance with another embodiment, an apparatus may be provided forscanning a target object in three dimensions (3D). The apparatus mayinclude a projection circuit, an image capturing circuit, and aprocessor. The projection circuit may be configured to project a colordashed line pattern onto a target object. The image capturing circuitmay be configured to scan the target object with the color dashed linepattern projected thereon. The processor may be configured to produce a3D data of the target object by processing the scanning result. Thecolor dashed line pattern may include multiple dashed line patterns eachof which is individually used to calculate the 3D data of the targetobject.

In accordance with still another embodiment, a non-transitorymachine-readable medium may be provided. Such a non-transitorymachine-readable medium may include encoded thereon program code,wherein, when the program code is executed by a machine, the machineimplements a method of scanning a target object in three dimensions(3D). The method may include projecting a color dashed line pattern ontoa target object, scanning the target object with the color dashed linepattern projected thereto, and producing a 3D data of the target objectby processing the scanning result. The color dashed line pattern mayinclude multiple dashed line patterns each of which is individually usedto calculate the 3D data of the target object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee. The above and/or other aspects of some embodimentsof the present invention will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a dental 3D scanner for scanning a target object in3D using a color dashed line pattern in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a pattern projection circuit included in a dental 3Dscanner in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a pattern projection circuit included in a dental 3Dscanner in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a color dashed line pattern in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for scanning a target object in 3D using acolor dashed line pattern in accordance with at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout. The embodiments are described below, in order toexplain embodiments of the present disclosure by referring to thefigures.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a target object may beinstantly, efficiently, and precisely scanned in three dimensions (3D)using a color dashed line pattern. In particular, a target object in anintraoral structure of a person may be scanned in 3D by generating apredetermined color dashed line pattern and projecting the generatedcolor dashed line pattern onto the target object in the intraoralstructure. In other words, a dental 3D scanner may generate a colordashed line pattern, project the generated color dashed line patternonto a target object, capture an image of the target object with thecolor dashed line pattern projected thereon, isolate multiple dashedline patterns from the captured image, and generate 3D data of thetarget object based on the isolated multiple dashed line patterns. Sucha color dashed line pattern may include multiple dashed line patterns.For example, each dashed line pattern is formed of a plurality ofdashes, and each dash is formed of at least one dot. Furthermore, eachdashed line pattern has a unique color different from the others. Suchmultiple dashed line patterns are arranged to satisfy predeterminedrules such that a line gap between two adjacent same color dashed linesis greater than a dash gap between two adjacent dashes.

Hereinafter, an apparatus for scanning a target object in 3D using acolor dashed line pattern will be described with reference to FIG. 1.For convenience and ease of understanding, a dental 3D scanner will bedescribed as an apparatus for scanning target teeth inside an intraoralstructure using a predetermined color dashed line pattern. However,embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to scanning anytype of objects precisely, efficiently, and instantly.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dental 3D scanner for scanning a target object in3D using a color dashed line pattern in accordance with at least oneembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, dental 3D scanner 10 may be connected to analysisdevice 20 through at least one of a wireless link and a wired link inaccordance with at least one embodiment. Such dental 3D scanner 10 mayreceive a control signal from a designated profession directly orthrough analysis device 20, scan a target object in 3D, and provide thescanning result to analysis device 20. For example, dental 3D scanner 10may scan teeth in an intraoral structure using a predetermined colordashed line pattern and transmit the scanning result to other entitiesthrough a predetermined communication link.

In particular, dental 3D scanner 10 may have a shape that can be held orgrabbed by a hand of a designated profession and be inserted into amouth of a patient to scan a tooth inside the mouth, as shown in FIG. 1.However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limitedthereto.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the predetermined colordashed line pattern may include multiple dashed line patterns. Each ofmultiple dashed line patterns may be individually analyzed to calculate3D data (e.g., depth data) of the target object. In particular, suchmultiple dashed line patterns may be isolated from an image of a targetobject with the predetermined color dashed line pattern projectedthereon, and 3D data of the target object may be calculated individuallyusing each of the isolated multiple dashed line patterns. Accordingly,one color dashed line pattern image of the target object can be used tomultiple dashed line patterns to calculate the 3D data of the targetobject since the predetermined color dashed line pattern includes themultiple dashed line patterns.

Dental 3D scanner 10 may transmit such a scanning result to analysisdevice 20 in accordance with at least one embodiment. The scanningresult may be a 3D data of a target object. However, the embodiments ofthe present invention are not limited thereto. For example, dental 3Dscanner 10 may transmit the color dashed line pattern images of thetarget object as the scanning result. In this case, analysis device 20may calculate the 3D data based on the color dashed line pattern imageof the target object.

Analysis device 20 may receive the scanning result from dental 3Dscanner through a predetermined communication link and provide thescanning result to the designated profession. For example, such ascanning result may be the 3D data of the target object. In this case,analysis device 20 may reconstruct a 3D image of the target object basedon the received 3D data and display the image of the target object in3D. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limitedthereto. For example, analysis device 20 may receive the color dashedline pattern image of the target object as the scanning result. In thiscase, analysis device 20 may generate the 3D data of the target objectbased on the color dashed line pattern image of the target object.

Furthermore, analysis device 20 is illustrated as an independent machineor device separated from dental 3D scanner 10. However, embodiments ofthe present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, analysisdevice 20 may be implemented with dental 3D scanner 10 as one device. Inthis case, analysis device 20 may produce a 3D image data of the targetobject and transmit the 3D image data to a designated device, such as anindependent monitor or a smart phone through a predeterminedcommunication link. Upon receipt of the 3D image data, the monitor orthe smart phone may display a 3D image of the target object.

Such analysis device 20 may be implemented with a computing system, suchas a personal computer (PC) installed with a predetermined softwareprogram or application associated with displaying a 3D image of a targetobject or calculating a 3D data of a target object based on a colordashed line pattern image of the target object. However, the embodimentsof the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

As described above, dental 3D scanner 10 may generate a color dashedline pattern, project the generated color dashed line pattern onto atarget object, capture an image of the target object with the colordashed line pattern projected thereon, isolate multiple dashed linepatterns from the captured image, and generate 3D data of the targetobject based on the isolated multiple dashed line patterns.

Hereinafter, constituent elements of dental 3D scanner 10 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 1. In accordance with at least oneembodiment, dental 3D scanner 10 may include pattern projection circuit100, image capturing circuit 200, controller circuit 300, communicationcircuit 400, reflecting plate 500, housing 600, penetration window 700,and memory 800.

Controller circuit 300 may control constituent elements of dental 3Dscanner 10 for performing predetermined tasks in response toinstructions. Such controller circuit 300 may be coupled to otherconstituent elements through a predetermined internal bus or cable. Inparticular, controller circuit 300 may be connected to image capturingcircuit 200 through a camera trigger cable in order to deliver a triggersignal to image capturing circuit 200. Such controller circuit 300 maybe a central processing unit (CPU).

For example, controller circuit 300 may control at least one of patternprojection circuit 100, image capturing circuit 200, communicationcircuit 400, and reflecting plate 500 for performing operations of i)generating color dashed line pattern data, ii) transferring thegenerated color dashed line pattern data to pattern projection circuit100, iii) controlling pattern projection circuit 100 to produce a colordashed line pattern and project the produced color dashed line patternon a target object, and iv) generating a trigger signal in response to auser input in order to initiate pattern projection circuit 100 toproject the color dashed line pattern and image capturing circuit 300 tocapturing images of the target object with the color dashed line patternprojected thereto (e.g., color dashed line pattern image of the targetobject).

Furthermore, controller circuit 300 may perform operations of, v)receiving sensing results from image capturing circuit 200, vi)processing the sensing results, such as sampling the sensing results,vii) generating 3D data (e.g., depth data) of the target object forproducing a 3D image of the target object, based on the processingresult (e.g., sampling results), and viii) transmitting the generated 3Ddata to a designated device (e.g., analysis device 20, a computer, asmart phone, and a mobile device) through communication circuit 400.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, controller circuit 300 mayproduce a color dashed line pattern data for controlling patternprojection circuit 100 to project a color dashed line pattern onto atarget object. Such a color dashed line pattern may enable completelyscanning a target object in 3D at a high speed (e.g., comparativelyshort time) with fewer operation times. The color dashed line patternmay include multiple dashed line patterns each can be individually usedfor calculating a 3D data (e.g., depth data) of the target object. Suchcolor dashed line pattern will be described in more detailed withreference to FIG. 4.

Communication circuit 400 may establish a communication link betweendental 3D scanner 10 and at least one designated device. For example,communication circuit 400 may establish a communication link to analysisdevice 20. Furthermore, communication circuit 400 may transmit data tothe designated device and receive data from the designated devicethrough the established communication link. For example, communicationcircuit 400 may transmit a scanning result to analysis device 20 orreceive a control signal from analysis device 20 through the establishedcommunication link. In order to support such communication,communication circuit 400 may include at least one module for supportinga wired communication scheme, a wireless communication scheme, a nearfield communication (NFC) scheme, a Bluetooth communication scheme, auniversal serial bus (USB) communication scheme and so forth.Furthermore, communication circuit 400 may include various interfacesfor supporting various communication schemes. For example, when analysisdevice 20 has an operating system of Windows 7®, communication circuit400 may include a universal serial bus (USB) 2.0 part for supporting USBcommunication scheme between dental 3D scanner 10 and analysis device20.

Pattern projection circuit 100 may i) receive the color dashed linepattern data from controller circuit 300, ii) form a color dashed linepattern based on the received color dashed line pattern data, and iii)project the color dashed line pattern onto a target object inside anintraoral structure. Pattern projection circuit 100 may radiate a colorlight while performing a scanning operation, as a lighting for scanningthe target object.

In order to project the color dashed line pattern, pattern projectioncircuit 100 may include at least one pico projector module. Patternprojection circuit 100 may further include multiple optical lenses thatare carefully rearranged for miniaturizing an overall size of dental 3Dscanner 10. Such pattern projection circuit 100 will be described inmore detail with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

Image capturing circuit 200 may receive a trigger signal from controllercircuit 300, capture an image of a reflected light from the targetobject, and transmit the captured image to the controller circuit 300.Here, the reflected light may be a color dashed line pattern reflectedfrom the target object, which is generated by projecting a color dashedline pattern onto the target object.

In particular, image capturing circuit 200 may capture at last one imageof the target object with the color dashed line pattern projectedthereon. Such an at least one image of the target object may be a colordashed line pattern image of the target object. That is, image capturingcircuit 200 may sense a color dashed line pattern light reflected fromthe target object by projecting the color dashed line pattern onto thetarget object. Image capturing circuit 200 may transfer the capturedimage of the target object with the color dashed line pattern projectedthereon to controller circuit 300.

In order to sense the reflected light of the color dashed line patternor capture the image thereof, image capturing circuit 200 may include atleast one optical sensor. Such an at least one optical sensor may be alight receiving element, such as a complementary metal-oxidesemiconductor (CMOS), a charged coupled device (CCD), or a positionsensitive device (PSD).

Memory 800 may be data storage for storing information necessary fordriving constituent elements of dental 3D sensor 10 and for performingscanning a target object in 3D using a color dashed line pattern. Suchinformation may include any software programs, applications, and codingsequences. Furthermore, information may include intermediate data orresultant data generated or produced by performing operations forscanning a target object in 3D using a color dashed line pattern. Forexample, information may include a 3D data, a 3D image data, a depthdata, images, a color dashed line pattern data, a color dashed linepattern, and generation rules for the color dashed line pattern.

Such memory 800 may be a flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card micromemory, SD or XD memory, Random Access Memory (RAM), Static RandomAccess Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read-OnlyMemory (PROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory(EEPROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk, but is notlimited thereto.

Reflecting plate 500 may be disposed at one end of housing 600, abovelight projection/scanning window 700, to face pattern projection circuit100 and image capturing circuit 200 at a predetermined angle. Reflectingplate 500 may reflects a color dished line pattern light projected frompattern projection circuit 100 to the target object by changing apropagation direction of the color dashed line pattern light.Furthermore, reflecting plate 500 may reflects a reflected light fromthe target object to image capturing circuit 200 by changing apropagation direction of the reflected light.

Housing 600 may be a rigid casing of 3D dental scanner 10, whichencloses and protects constituent elements, such as pattern projectioncircuit 100, image capturing circuit 200, controller circuit 300, memory800, and so forth. Furthermore, housing 600 may be an outer shape orappearance of 3D dental scanner 10. In accordance with at least oneembodiment, housing 600 may have a size and a shape to be easily held orgrabbed by hands or fingers of an operator. For example, housing 600 mayhave a large pencil shape having light projection/scanning window 700 atone end and a cable (not shown) or an antenna (not shown) at the otherend.

Housing 600 may include light projection/scanning window 700 configuredto project the color dashed line pattern onto the target object and toscan the reflected pattern light from the target object.

As described above, dental 3D scanner 10 may generate and project acolor dashed line pattern onto a target object and scan the targetobject in 3D based on the projected color dashed line pattern inaccordance with at least one embodiment. In order to project the colorpattern, dental 3D scanner 10 may include pattern projection circuit100. Hereinafter, such pattern projection circuit 100 will be describedin more detail with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 illustrates a pattern projection circuit included in a dental 3Dscanner in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, pattern projection circuit 100 may include firstlight source 110, micro mirror unit 120, and first projection controller130.

For example, as pattern projection circuit 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure, a digital light processing (DLP)projector circuit may be employed. Such a DLP projector circuit may usea digital micro-mirror device (DMD) chip to project light. The DMD chipis a semiconductor optical switch integrated with micro-mirrors. Inparticular, each aluminum alloy micro-mirror is formed above each cellof a static random access memory (SRAM). Such an aluminum alloymicro-mirror may have ±10° degree of an angle when the aluminum alloymicro-mirror has an ON state and an OFF state. At this moment, thealuminum alloy micro-mirror is driven using electrostatic fieldgenerated by a corresponding cell disposed beneath of the aluminum alloymicro-mirror.

Such a micro-mirror reflects the projected light out or blocks theprojected light. By controlling a time of reflecting or a time ofblocking the projected light, DLP projector may display images on ascreen. Furthermore, three color filters, Red, Green, and Blue may bedisposed between a light source and a micro-mirror for displaying acolor image. A speed of switching each mirror is about 500,000 times perone second and light incident to a chip is controlled digitally.

First light source 110 may output light to a target object inside amouth in response to a control signal of first projection controller130. First light source 100 may include light emitting elements, such asa laser diode or a RGB light emitting diode (LED), but the embodimentsof the present disclosure are not limited thereto. First light source110 may include a white light source or an infrared light source.

Micro-mirror unit 120 may reflect light output from first light source110 by controlling an angle of a micro-mirror in response to control offirst projection controller 130. That is, micro-mirror unit 120 may becorresponding to a DMD chip of a DLP projector. Micro-mirror unit 120may include at least one micro-mirror, having a size of about 14 to 16μm, at each pixel and control the at least one micro-mirror to have acertain reflection angle in response to a control signal from firstprojection controller 130, thereby projecting a color dashed linepattern.

First projection controller 130 may receive the color dashed linepattern data from controller circuit 300, produce the color dashed linepattern by controlling first light source 110 and micro mirror unit 120based on the received color pattern data, and project the produced colordashed line pattern light onto the target object. That is, firstprojection controller 130 may control driving elements (not shown)disposed under that micro-mirrors of micro-mirror unit 120 and change anangle of each micro-mirror to reflect or block light.

FIG. 3 illustrates a pattern projection circuit included in a dental 3Dscanner in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, pattern projection circuit 100 may include secondlight source 140, liquid crystal unit 150, and second projectioncontroller 160 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

For another example, a liquid-crystal display (LCD) type projector maybe employed as pattern projection circuit 100 in accordance with anotherembodiment. In particular, second light source 140 may output light to atarget object inside a mouth in response to a control signal of secondprojection controller 150. Second light source 140 may include lightemitting elements, such as a Xenon lamp or a LED lamp.

LCD unit 150 may form a color dashed line pattern on a LCD panel inresponse to a control signal of second projection controller 160 andcontrol light generated from second light source 140 to pass through theLCD panel with the color dashed line pattern formed thereon. LCD unit150 may include at least one of lens in front of a micro LCD panel andin back of the micro LCD panel in order to concentrate the light to alight path.

Second projection controller 160 may receive the color dashed linepattern data from controller circuit 300 and control second light source140 and LCD unit 150 based on the received color dashed line patterndata to produce the color dashed line pattern light and project theproduced color dashed line pattern light onto the target object. Thatis, second projection controller 160 may generate and output a controlsignal for controlling each pixel of a LCD panel whether to pass a lightor not. Based on such a control signal, pattern projection circuit 100produces a color dashed lien pattern light and projects the producedcolor dashed line pattern light to the target object.

As described, a color dashed line pattern may be projected onto a targetobject for efficiently, instantly, and completely scanning the targetobject in 3D in accordance with at least one embodiment. Hereinafter,such a color dashed line pattern will be described in detail withreference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a color dashed line pattern in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, color dashed line pattern 900 may be generated toobtain 3D data of a target object using a projection moiré method inaccordance with at least one embodiment. Such color dashed line pattern900 may be generated to include at least two dashed line patterns inaccordance with at least one embodiment. Each one of the at least twodashed line patterns has a unique color different from the other. When afirst dashed line pattern and a second dashed line pattern are includedin the color dashed line pattern, the first dashed line pattern isformed of a plurality of first dashed lines, and the second dashed linepattern is formed of a plurality of second dashed lines. Furthermore,the first dashed line pattern has a unique color different from that ofthe second dashed line pattern. That is, the first dashed lines have thesame unique color different from that of the second dashed lines. Eachdashed line is formed of a plurality of dashes. Each dash is formed ofat least one dot (e.g., pixel). To form a predetermined pattern, suchdashed lines are arrange to satisfy a rule that a line gap between twoadjacent dashed lines is greater than a dash gap between two adjacentdashes.

For example, FIG. 4 shows color dashed line pattern 900 generated toinclude four different dashed line patterns in accordance with at leastone embodiment. For convenience and ease of understanding, color dashedlien pattern 900 is illustrated as including four different dashed linepatterns. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limitedthereto.

As shown in FIG. 4, color dashed line pattern 900 includes four dashedline patterns, such as red dashed line pattern 910, blue dashed linepattern 920, yellow dashed line pattern 930, and purple dashed linepattern 940. As shown, each dashed line pattern has a unique colordifferent from the other in order to identify or isolate each patternfrom the other although four different dashed line patterns are mergedtogether in color dashed line pattern 900.

Each one of dashed line patterns 910, 920, 930, and 940 includes aplurality of dashed lines. As described, each dash line is formed of atleast one dash. One dash is formed of at least one pixel 901. Such dashlines are arranged by a predetermined rule to form a unique pattern toobtain 3D information on a target object in accordance with at least oneembodiment. For example, dash lines are arranged to have a line gapbetween two adjacent dashed lines greater than a dash gap between twoadjacent dashes in accordance with at least one embodiment.

For example, yellow dashed line pattern 930 includes a plurality ofyellow dashed lines 931, 932, 933, and 934. In a first direction A,yellow dashed lines 931 and 932 are arranged. Each of yellow dashedlines 931 and 932 includes dashes each formed of three pixels. Suchyellow dashed lines 931 and 932 are arranged to have a line gap LGbetween yellow dashed lines 931 and 932 greater than a dash gap DG. Forexample, the line gap LG is three pixels, and the dash gap DG is onepixel, as shown in diagram (a) of FIG. 4.

In a second direction B, yellow dashed lines 933 and 934 are arranged.Each of yellow dashed lines 933 and 934 includes dashes each formed ofone pixel. Such yellow dashed lines 933 and 934 are arranged to have aline gap LG between yellow dashed lines 933 and 934 greater than a dashgap DG. For example, the line gap LG is three pixels, and the dash gapDG is one pixel, as shown in diagram (a) of FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, other three dashed line patterns 910, 920, and 940have the same arrangements of dashed lines, as compared to yellow dashedline pattern 930. Accordingly, color dashed line pattern 900 includesfour dashed line patterns 910, 920, 930, and 940 each including aplurality of dashed lines arranged to satisfy a predetermined rule toobtain 3D data of a target object in accordance with at least oneembodiment.

For convenience and ease of understanding, color pattern 900 isdescribed as having four different dashed line patterns arranged infirst direction A (e.g., vertical direction) and second direction B(e.g., horizontal direction). However, embodiments of the presentdisclosure are not limited thereto. For example, color pattern 900 mayinclude at least one different line patterns arranged in a diagonaldirection. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are notlimited to the number patterns included in color pattern 900. Colorpattern 900 may include more or less than four patterns.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the predetermined colordashed line pattern may be generated as follows: i) a color dashed linepattern may be generated to include multiple dashed line patterns; ii)each of multiple dashed line patterns may be generated to have a uniquecolor different from others; and iii) dashed lines of each dashed linepattern are arranged to have a line gap greater than a dash gap.

In accordance with another embodiment, the predetermined color dashedline pattern may be generated as follows: i) a color dashed line patternmay be generated to have at least two first patterns and at least twosecond patterns; ii) the at least two first patterns may be generated toarranged in a first direction; iii) the at least two second patterns maybe generated to arranged in a second direction crossing the firstdirection; iv) the first patterns may be generated to have a firstcolor; v) the first patterns may be generated to have a plurality offirst unit patterns each having a length of m pixels, wherein m is apositive integer greater than 0; and vi) the plurality of first unitpatterns may be generated to be arranged with a third unit patternhaving a length of n pixels as a gap between two adjacent first unitpatterns, wherein the third unit pattern has a third color and a thirdlength, and n is a positive integer number greater than 0 and smallerthan m.

Furthermore, vi) the second patterns may be generated to have a secondcolor; vii) the second patterns may be generated to have a plurality ofsecond unit patterns each having a length of m pixels, wherein m is apositive integer greater than 0; and viii) the plurality of second unitpatterns may be generated to be arranged with a fourth unit patternhaving a length of n pixels as a gap between two adjacent second unitpatterns, wherein the fourth unit pattern has a fourth color and afourth length, and n is a positive integer number greater than 0 andsmaller then m.

Such color dashed line pattern 900 having multiple dashed line patterns910 to 940 may be projected onto a target object. Then, a color dashedline pattern image of a target object may be captured. Such a colordashed line pattern image may include multiple different dashed linepatterns as described above. In accordance with at least one embodiment,such multiple different dashed line patterns are isolated from the colordashed line pattern image. In particular, such multiple dashed linepatterns may be individually isolated from the color dashed line patternimage of the target object, and 3D data of the target object may becalculated separately using each of the isolated multiple dashed linepatterns. Such operations may be performed simultaneously. Accordingly,one color dashed line pattern image of the target object can be used tomultiple dashed line patterns to calculate the 3D data of the targetobject since the predetermined color dashed line pattern includes themultiple dashed line patterns.

As described, dental 3D scanner 10 may generate a color dashed linepattern, project the generated color dashed line pattern onto a targetobject, capture an image of the target object with the color dashed linepattern projected thereon, isolate multiple dashed line patterns fromthe captured image, and generate 3D data of the target object based onthe isolated multiple dashed line patterns. Hereinafter, operations ofdental 3D scanner 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.5.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for scanning a target object in 3D using acolor dashed line pattern in accordance with at least one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, a color dashed line pattern data may be generatedupon generation of a predetermined event at step S5010. For example,dental 3D scanner 10 may receive a scanning signal from a designatedprofession when the designated profession wants to scan a target object(e.g., target teeth inside a mouth) in 3D. In particular, upon thegeneration of such event (e.g., receipt of the scanning signal),communication circuit 400 may receive such a scanning signal directlythrough a predetermined input circuit or indirectly through analysisdevice 20.

When communication circuit 400 receives the scanning signal, controllercircuit 300 may generate color dashed line pattern data. As described,such a color dashed line pattern data may be generated to form andproject a color dashed line pattern onto the target object. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment, such a color dashed linepattern data may be used to form a color dashed line pattern includingmultiple dashed lines arranged to satisfy rules: i) each dashed line hasa unique color different from others, ii) one dashed line is formed ofat least one dash, iii) one dash is formed of at least one pixel, andiv) a line gap between two adjacent same color dashed lines is greaterthan a dash gap between two adjacent same color dashes.

At step S5020, a color dashed line pattern may be formed based on thecolor dashed line pattern data and projected onto a target object. Forexample, pattern projection circuit 100 may receive the color dashedline pattern data from controller circuit 300, form a color dashed linepattern (e.g., 900) based on the received color dashed line patterndata, and project the color dashed line patter on to a target object(e.g., 30).

As described above, such a color dashed line pattern may includemultiple dashed line patterns which are arranged to satisfy rules: i)each dashed line has a unique color different from others, ii) onedashed line is formed of at least one dash, iii) one dash is formed ofat least one pixel, and iv) a line gap between two adjacent same colordashed lines is greater than a dash gap between two adjacent same colordashes. Since the color dashed line pattern was already described withreference to FIG. 4, the detailed description thereof will be omittedherein.

At step S5030, the color dashed line pattern projected on the targetobject may be scanned. For example, image capturing circuit 200 maycapture at last one image of the color dashed line pattern projected onthe target object (e.g., teeth 30), which is reflected from the targetobject by projecting the color pattern on the target object. Imagecapturing circuit 200 may transfer the captured image of the colordashed line pattern projected on the target object to controller circuit300.

Such at least one image of the color dashed line pattern projected onthe target object may be a color dashed line pattern image of the targetobject. Such a color dashed line pattern image may include images of themultiple dashed line patterns included in the color dashed line pattern.

At step S5040, a 3D data of the target object may be produced based onmultiple dashed line patterns isolated from the scanning result. Forexample, controller circuit 300 may receive the captured color dashedline pattern images from image capturing circuit 200 and isolate eachcolor dashed lines from the captured image. For example, when four colordashed lines (e.g., red, blue, purple, and yellow) are included in thecolor dashed line pattern images as shown in FIG. 4, controller circuit300 may isolate red color dashed line image 910, blue color dashed lineimage 920, purple color dashed line image 940, and yellow color dashedline image 930 from the color dashed line pattern image.

Then, controller circuit 300 may calculate depth data of the targetobject by sampling the four patterns (e.g., the red color dashed lineimage, the blue color dashed line image, the purple color dashed lineimage, and the yellow color dashed line image) isolated from thereceived color dashed line pattern image.

As described, although the color dashed line pattern is projected onetime onto the target object, four different dashed line patterns areobtained for calculating a depth data of the target object. Accordingly,a 3D data of a target object may be obtained at a comparatively shorttime with fewer scanning operations.

At step S5050, the 3D data of the target object may be delivered to adesignated machine. For example, the generated 3D data may betransferred to a display attached to analysis device 20 and the 3D imageof the target object may be displayed on the display. Through the 3Dimage, the designated profession may be efficiently and convenientlyexamine the target object.

For another example, the generated 3D data may be transferred to a 3Dprinter or a 3D mill for producing a predetermined object (e.g., tooth,crowns, bridges, copings, frameworks, implant abutments).

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarilymutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term“implementation.”

As used in this application, the word “exemplary” is used herein to meanserving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or designdescribed herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use ofthe word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concretefashion.

Additionally, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the naturalinclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or Xemploys both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any ofthe foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as usedin this application and the appended claims should generally beconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromcontext to be directed to a singular form.

Moreover, the terms “system,” “component,” “module,” “interface,”,“model” or the like are generally intended to refer to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. For example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program,and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application runningon a controller and the controller can be a component. One or morecomponents may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and acomponent may be localized on one computer and/or distributed betweentwo or more computers.

The present invention can be embodied in the form of methods andapparatuses for practicing those methods. The present invention can alsobe embodied in the form of program code embodied in tangible media,non-transitory media, such as magnetic recording media, opticalrecording media, solid state memory, floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, harddrives, or any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein, when theprogram code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as acomputer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention.The present invention can also be embodied in the form of program code,for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/orexecuted by a machine, or transmitted over some transmission medium orcarrier, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiberoptics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the program codeis loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, themachine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Whenimplemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code segmentscombine with the processor to provide a unique device that operatesanalogously to specific logic circuits. The present invention can alsobe embodied in the form of a bitstream or other sequence of signalvalues electrically or optically transmitted through a medium, storedmagnetic-field variations in a magnetic recording medium, etc.,generated using a method and/or an apparatus of the present invention.

It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods setforth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the orderdescribed, and the order of the steps of such methods should beunderstood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may beincluded in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined,in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention.

As used herein in reference to an element and a standard, the term“compatible” means that the element communicates with other elements ina manner wholly or partially specified by the standard, and would berecognized by other elements as sufficiently capable of communicatingwith the other elements in the manner specified by the standard. Thecompatible element does not need to operate internally in a mannerspecified by the standard.

No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recitedusing the phrase “means for” or “step for.”

Although embodiments of the present invention have been describedherein, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments andadvantages are merely examples and are not to be construed as limitingthe present invention or the scope of the claims. Numerous othermodifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the artthat will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of thisdisclosure, and the present teaching can also be readily applied toother types of apparatuses. More particularly, various variations andmodifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements ofthe subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure,the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations andmodifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternativeuses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of scanning a target object in threedimensions (3D), the method comprising: projecting a color dashed linepattern onto a target object; scanning the target object with the colordashed line pattern projected thereto; and producing a 3D data of thetarget object by processing the scanning result, wherein the colordashed line pattern includes multiple dashed line patterns each of whichis individually used to calculate the 3D data of the target object. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein: the color dashed line pattern includesthe multiple dashed line patterns; each one of the multiple dashed linepatterns has a unique color different from the other; each dashed linepattern is formed of a plurality of dashed lines; each dashed line isformed of a plurality of dashes; each dash is formed of a unit pixel;and dashed lines included in each dashed line patterns are arranged tohave a line gap greater than a dash gap, where the line gap is a gapbetween two adjacent dashed lines, and the dash gap is a gap between twoadjacent dashes.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the formingcomprises: i) generating a color dashed line pattern to include at leasttwo dashed line pattern; ii) generating each dashed line pattern to havea unique color different from the other; and iii) generating dashedlines of each dashed line patterns to be arranged to have a line gapgreater than a dash gap.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the formingcomprises: i) generating the color dashed line pattern to include atleast two first patterns and at least two second patterns; ii)generating the at least two first patterns to be arranged in a firstdirection; iii) generating the at least two second patterns to bearranged in a second direction crossing the first direction; iv)generating the first patterns to have a first color; v) generating thefirst patterns to have a plurality of first unit patterns each having alength of m pixels, wherein m is a positive integer greater than 0; vi)generating the plurality of first unit patterns to be arranged with athird unit pattern having a length of n pixels as a gap between twoadjacent first unit patterns, wherein the third unit pattern has a thirdcolor and a third length, and n is a positive integer number greaterthan 0 and smaller than m; vi) generating the second patterns to have asecond color; vii) generating the second patterns to have a plurality ofsecond unit patterns each having a length of m pixels, wherein m is apositive integer greater than 0; and viii) generating the plurality ofsecond unit patterns to be arranged with a fourth unit pattern having alength of n pixels as a gap between two adjacent second unit patterns,wherein the fourth unit pattern has a fourth color and a fourth length,and n is a positive integer number greater than 0 and smaller then m. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the scanning comprises: capturing atleast one color dashed line pattern image of the target object; andproviding the captured color dashed line pattern image of the targetobject as the scanning result.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein theproducing a 3D data comprises: isolating the multiple dashed linepatterns from the scanning results; individually processing each of theisolated multiple dashed line patterns by performing sampling; andgenerating a depth data of the target object based on the samplingresults of the isolated multiple dashed line patterns.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising, prior to the projecting: generating a colordashed line pattern data upon generation of a predetermined event;forming the color dashed line pattern including multiple dashed linepatterns based on the generated color dashed line pattern;
 8. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: providing the 3D data of the targetobject to a designated machine through a predetermined communicationlink.
 9. An apparatus of scanning a target object in three dimensions(3D), the apparatus comprising: a projection circuit configured toproject a color dashed line pattern onto a target object; an imagecapturing circuit configured to scan the target object with the colordashed line pattern projected thereon; and a processor configured toproduce a 3D data of the target object by processing the scanningresult, wherein the color dashed line pattern includes multiple dashedline patterns each of which is individually used to calculate the 3Ddata of the target object.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: thecolor dashed line pattern includes the multiple dashed line patterns;each one of the multiple dashed line patterns has a unique colordifferent from the other; each dashed line pattern is formed of aplurality of dashed lines; each dashed line is formed of a plurality ofdashes; each dash is formed of a unit pixel; and dashed lines includedin each dashed line patterns are arranged to have a line gap greaterthan a dash gap, where the line gap is a gap between two adjacent dashedlines, and the dash gap is a gap between two adjacent dashes.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to generatethe color dashed line pattern by: i) generating a color dashed linepattern to include at least two dashed line pattern; ii) generating eachdashed line pattern to have a unique color different from the other; andiii) generating dashed lines of each dashed line patterns to be arrangedto have a line gap greater than a dash gap.
 12. The apparatus of claim9, wherein in the forming, the color dashed line pattern is generatedby: i) generating the color dashed line pattern to include at least twofirst patterns and at least two second patterns; ii) generating the atleast two first patterns to be arranged in a first direction; iii)generating the at least two second patterns to be arranged in a seconddirection crossing the first direction; iv) generating the firstpatterns to have a first color; v) generating the first patterns to havea plurality of first unit patterns each having a length of m pixels,wherein m is a positive integer greater than 0; vi) generating theplurality of first unit patterns to be arranged with a third unitpattern having a length of n pixels as a gap between two adjacent firstunit patterns, wherein the third unit pattern has a third color and athird length, and n is a positive integer number greater than 0 andsmaller than m; vi) generating the second patterns to have a secondcolor; vii) generating the second patterns to have a plurality of secondunit patterns each having a length of m pixels, wherein m is a positiveinteger greater than 0; and viii) generating the plurality of secondunit patterns to be arranged with a fourth unit pattern having a lengthof n pixels as a gap between two adjacent second unit patterns, whereinthe fourth unit pattern has a fourth color and a fourth length, and n isa positive integer number greater than 0 and smaller then m.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein in order to scan, the processor isconfigured to: capture at least one color dashed line pattern image ofthe target object; and provide the captured color dashed line patternimage of the target object as the scanning result.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein in order to produce a 3D data, the processor isconfigured to: isolate the multiple dashed line patterns from thescanning results; individually process each of the isolated multipledashed line patterns by performing sampling; and generate a depth dataof the target object based on the sampling results of the isolatedmultiple dashed line patterns.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, furthercomprising: a communication circuit configured to provide the 3D data ofthe target object to a designated machine through a predeterminedcommunication link.
 16. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, havingencoded thereon program code, wherein, when the program code is executedby a machine, the machine implements a method of scanning a targetobject in three dimensions (3D), the method comprising: projecting acolor dashed line pattern onto a target object; scanning the targetobject with the color dashed line pattern projected thereto; andproducing a 3D data of the target object by processing the scanningresult, wherein the color dashed line pattern includes multiple dashedline patterns each of which is individually used to calculate the 3Ddata of the target object.
 17. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 16, wherein: the color dashed line pattern includes themultiple dashed line patterns; each one of the multiple dashed linepatterns has a unique color different from the other; each dashed linepattern is formed of a plurality of dashed lines; each dashed line isformed of a plurality of dashes; each dash is formed of a unit pixel;and dashed lines included in each dashed line patterns are arranged tohave a line gap greater than a dash gap, where the line gap is a gapbetween two adjacent dashed lines, and the dash gap is a gap between twoadjacent dashes.
 18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim16, wherein the forming comprises: i) generating a color dashed linepattern to include at least two dashed line pattern; ii) generating eachdashed line pattern to have a unique color different from the other; andiii) generating dashed lines of each dashed line patterns to be arrangedto have a line gap greater than a dash gap.
 19. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the forming comprises: i)generating the color dashed line pattern to include at least two firstpatterns and at least two second patterns; ii) generating the at leasttwo first patterns to be arranged in a first direction; iii) generatingthe at least two second patterns to be arranged in a second directioncrossing the first direction; iv) generating the first patterns to havea first color; v) generating the first patterns to have a plurality offirst unit patterns each having a length of m pixels, wherein m is apositive integer greater than 0; vi) generating the plurality of firstunit patterns to be arranged with a third unit pattern having a lengthof n pixels as a gap between two adjacent first unit patterns, whereinthe third unit pattern has a third color and a third length, and n is apositive integer number greater than 0 and smaller than m; vi)generating the second patterns to have a second color; vii) generatingthe second patterns to have a plurality of second unit patterns eachhaving a length of m pixels, wherein m is a positive integer greaterthan 0; and viii) generating the plurality of second unit patterns to bearranged with a fourth unit pattern having a length of n pixels as a gapbetween two adjacent second unit patterns, wherein the fourth unitpattern has a fourth color and a fourth length, and n is a positiveinteger number greater than 0 and smaller then m.
 20. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the scanning comprises:capturing at least one color dashed line pattern image of the targetobject; isolating the multiple dashed line patterns from the captured atleast one color dashed line pattern image; individually processing eachof the isolated multiple dashed line patterns by performing sampling;and generating a depth data of the target object based on the samplingresults of the isolated multiple dashed line patterns.